Silver Dawn (1971-1995) - National Broodmare Champion 1985
Silver Dawn, by King of Diamonds, was the foundation mare for the Tullyroe Stud
Way back in the mists of time, Charlotte and her father saw a mare
grazing in a field of someone for whom she broke a mare. Robert, a farmer who had worked
horses on the farm for years before the war, said, " If ever that mare's for sale,
buy her!"
Some time later the opportunity arose, and the Irish draught returned to
Moyroe House, Killyman for the first time since the tractor had arrived to displace the
last working horse. As you can see, Silvo was broken to work, and in her time she put her
shoulder to many a collar. The photos above were taken during the Utility Class at the RDS
and RUAS, Balmoral. They illustrate the versatility of the Irish Draught and its
crosses, usually with the Thoroughbred. Silvo drove to a gig, worked in chains, (she won
the driving at the first National Show, was placed in the working class and won the
Broodmare Championship) and hunted. She took part in all sorts of Riding Club activities
and was even known to Team Chase on one occasion.
Her most important driving event was when put to a carriage she drew Charlotte to her wedding and the happy couple to their wedding reception, a five-mile drive on a cold March day.
But it was her prowess as a Broodmare for which she was best known. Rarely beaten at the County shows in N Ireland, and placed at Dublin and Millstreet, she was the dam of April Storm by Blue Peter, a filly by Column (Tb) which was Champion foal at the RDS in 1984, Tully's Triumph, Tully's Annie, Western Dawn all by Western Light, Ballymac by Cornelscourt, a colt by Border Light and one by Standard Bearer.
